Family seeks financial assistance for dying father

HOW TO HELP

Donation jars are at the Stripes at 2002 North Navarro St., La Tejanita Restaurant at 1309 Sam Houston Drive and Save-A-Lot at 2502 North Laurent St.

The family will also have a garage sale on Friday and Saturday at 1114 Siegmund St., and donations can be made at Artero Memorial Chapels at 706 E. Crestwood Drive

For more information, call Elizabeth Salinas at 512-712-8081, or Rocky Salinas at 804-318-7709.

One Victoria family is asking for donations so they can help bury their father after he is pulled off life support on Sunday.

Sylvester Salinas, a 50-year-old Victoria native, is in a coma at DeTar Hospital North after he slipped into cardiac arrest following a gall bladder surgery earlier this week, said Elizabeth Salinas, the man's eldest daughter.

The family has made the decision to pull him off life support.

"We don't want him to suffer more than he already has," his daughter said.

Salinas worked in construction most of his life and recently started dialysis treatments for diabetes, she said.

Salinas did not have life insurance and because his death was unexpected, his six sons and daughters are left scrambling to give him a proper burial once he's taken off life support.

"We know it's hard economic times, but whatever people can spare will help," his daughter said. "He was just a good father. He was a hard worker."

So far, the family has raised about $500, but still lacks about $4,500 just for the burial, she said.

The family has placed collection jars at several locations across town as well as fliers with contact information for donations.

"We just don't know where to ask," his daughter said. "We're hoping other Victorians will pull in and help."